Cortisol, the “stress hormone”, increases during stressful or demanding periods. Increased cortisol levels lead to a reduction in insulin levels. This results in reduced energy utilisation and protein synthesis, both important factors in the athletic horse. Chromium enhances the effect of insulin and so improves the uptake of glucose and amino acids into the muscle cells (Fonseca et al., 2011).
Tests have shown that supplementation with organic chromium has been shown to increase stress resistance and improve immunity, helping with improving resistance to bacterial and viral diseases. Researchers have shown that horses fed 5 mg of organic chromium per day had significantly lower blood lactate and blood cortisol levels after intense exercise.
Adding chromium to the mix also delays the build-up of lactic acid produced by exercise and so delays fatigue, increasing the amount of time a horse could sustain a maximal effort during intense exercise, racing or competition (Pagan et al., 1995).
These branched-chain amino acids, BCAAs, leucine, isoleucine and valine, are essential amino acids used in equine supplements to support and improve muscle development after exercise (Matsui et al., 2006). The levels of these essential amino acids are reduced by exercise and so need replacement to assist recovery, reduce fatigue during intense exercise and accelerate post-performance recovery (Trottier, 2002). They have also been scientifically proven to reduce the immunosuppressant effect of intense exercise in racehorses (Baakhtari et al., 2022).
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) is needed to metabolise amino acids and protein, helping the horse to absorb and utilise protein (NRC, 2007). Performance horses, including lactating mares, have a higher need for protein to aid performance and recovery.
However, increasing the volume of protein in the feed can be negative for the horse, for example through blowing, overheating and exercise-induced acidosis (Graham-Thiers et al., 2003). Improving uptake from safe levels of protein is a solution.
Performance horses weighing approximately 500 kg:
one level scoop per day, equal to 15 g.
| Active ingredient | Amount per kg | Active ingredient | Amount per kg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trivalent chromium | 0.03% | L-leucine | 0.4% |
| L-valine | 0.4% | L-isoleucine | 0.2% |
| Pyridoxine (Vitamin B6) | 0.1% |
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